The Art of Taxidermy and Why it Should Be Considered an Art

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The Art of Taxidermy and Why it Should Be Considered an Art
“Let’s say you’re watching an old horror movie, one about a crazy madman who lives in a spooky house up on a hill. Local kids will become curious and decide to step foot into the house. The majority of the time the creepy man will have two things; paintings with the eyes cut out and a nice collection of mounted animals to give intruders a sense of fear. Then all of a sudden lightning flashes and a growling black bear is lit up, sending the kids screaming into the front yard” (Bryant). It turns out that terrifying black bear is actually a valuable piece of artwork. Taxidermy has been an underrated art form throughout its history and it does not get the recognition it deserves. Although there is a big dispute in the artistic world about its merit as art, taxidermy is an art.
The actual definition of art has been a lingering mystery ever since it began. According to William Rubin, director of the Museum of Modern Art in New York, “There is no single definition of art” (Art History). The word art comes from the Latin word “ars” meaning skill or craft (visual-art-cork). Researchers and artists both have tried to branch off the words original meaning but still have had no luck. Many people may have their own opinion towards this subject, but there has yet to be a universally accepted definition (visual-art-cork). “Art is commonly used to describe something of beauty or a skill which produces an aesthetic result, but there is no clear line between a unique handmade sculpture and an attractive mass made produced item” (visual-art-cork).
Another thing to remember, is the fact that art reflects and belongs to the period and culture from which it spawned...

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...es. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Nov 2013. .
”Definition of Art.” visual-arts-cork. Encyclopedia of Art. n.d. Web. 19 Nov 2013 .
Keech, Chris. “The Authentic Animal: Inside the Odd and Obsessive World of Taxidermy.” Booklist 1 June 2011: 12. Student Edition. Web. 19 Nov 2013.
Moyer, John. Practical Taxidermy. 2nd Ed. Canada : John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 1979. Print.
Roberts, Nadine. The Complete Handbook of Taxidermy. Blue Ridge Summit, PA.: Tab Books Inc., 1980. Print.
Smith, Seth. Personal Interview. 19 Nov 2013.
“Still Life.” The New Yorker 3 May 2010: 77. Student Edition. Web.19 Nov 2013.
Tetley, Arthur. Bird Taxidermy. Blue Ridge Summit, PA.: Tab Books Inc., 1982. Print.
Thompson, Paul. “Preparing for Taxidermy Competition.” Thompson’s Whitetail Taxidermy. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Nov 2013 .

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